IAS couple, who walked their dog at Delhi stadium, transferred to Ladakh, Arunachal Pradesh

The Union home ministry, which shunted them out, also sought and received a report from chief secretary, Delhi, on the ‘factual position’ after a news report alleged misuse of facilities at Thyagraj Stadium by Sanjeev Khirwar and his wife Rinku Dugga.

The Centre on Thursday shunted out IAS couple Sanjeev Khirwar and Rinku Dugga, both 1994 batch officers of the AGMUT cadre, outside Delhi, after it was claimed that athletes at the national capital's Thyagraj Stadium were being forced to finish their training early so that Khirwar could bring his dog to the facility for daily evening walk.

The viral photo of the IAS couple and their dog. (Courtesy: Indian Express)

While Khirwar, who worked as principal secretary (revenue) with the Delhi government, was transferred to Ladakh, Dugga was sent to Arunachal Pradesh, a notification from the Union Ministry of home affairs (MHA) read. Their new postings will come into effect immediately, and will be in force until further orders, it further stated.

Additionally, the MHA sought and received a report from chief secretary, Delhi, about the ‘factual position’ on the alleged misuse of facilities at Thyagraj Stadium by the couple.

Earlier today, The Indian Express reported, citing athletes who train at the Delhi government-run facility, that sportspersons who train there were being forced to finish training early so that Khirwar, who is from the city itself, could take a walk with his pet inside the ground. In a photo which went viral, the couple are seen walking with their dog on what looks like an athletics track.

Khirwar, on the other hand, told The Indian Express allegations against him were ‘absolutely incorrect.’

Since Delhi is a Union territory, bureaucrats here are appointed by the Union home ministry through its representative, the lieutenant governor of Delhi. Incidentally, the 22nd LG, Vinai Kumar Saxena, took oath today.